In today’s world, there are many things that can take away a believer’s joy. Despite what is happening around us, remember that God never intended for His people to walk around looking like we just lost our best friend.

Although many people look at Christianity as a religion that takes away your joy and happiness, the opposite of that is what God wants. While there is no doubt that we will encounter trials, God desires His children be happy. Several times in the Old Testament, He even commanded them to rejoice: “and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days” (Lev. 23:40).

The book of Psalms has the word “rejoice” in 54 verses. Altogether, it is found in 179 verses in the Bible.

The Christian’s strength to serve God and be a light in this world comes from our joy in Him. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us: “for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” When we have joy, we can rejoice.

Our joy is made fresh by spending time in the Word, in prayer, and in fellowship with other believers in church. Those who forsake these duties – forsake their sources of joy. No wonder they do not have much to rejoice about.

David often experienced severe trials. Yet he learned even on those occasions to ask the Lord: “Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.” When he did, because he was obedient, he discovered God was very willing to give him a rejoicing heart once again.

When he sinned, he came to God and confessed it and was willing to forsake it. Afterward, he got his joy back because God is faithful and merciful.